Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Christ the Babe was born for you

The Nativity, by Sharlotte Andrus

Merry Christmas all! I hope this season finds you joyful, even if you are in the thick of something hard. I’m learning in new ways that growth is always uncomfortable and at times quite painful. Christmas is a gift of light in what for some of us is literally the darkest time of the year. I pray that some of His light will be yours.

It’s been a bit since I shared some of my favorite things. Now seems like the perfect moment to do so. In no particular order, here are some things that are bringing the spirit of Christ to me in a time when it is much needed.

#1 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

I totally feel like I have shared this before. But even if I have, it’s worth a reshare. The ending alone will crack your heart in two and fill it up with joy. I was reminded of this video when listening to Sister Runia’s marvelous message - Christ the Babe Was Born For You - from the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. So good!

#2 - Once in Royal David’s City

This song. And this version. Nothing else need be said. Listen with the lights down, a candle or two flickering, and with your heart open.

#3 - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Have you seen The Best Christmas Pageant Ever yet? If not, don’t miss it! Directed by Dallas Jenkins (creator and director of The Chosen), the journey to make this beloved novel into a movie has been a long one. I’m so glad the creators persisted. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and ends with an absolute knock-out punch.

#4 - Trying

I have a new favorite children’s book author. His name is Kobi Yamada, and he actually lives here in Washington state, same as me. Nice move, Kobi. I’ve probably read at least 6-7 of his books in the past two months, including my favorite one: Trying. I’m sure it’s available in pretty much any library you call home.

#5 - Come Let Us Adore Him

Last Christmas, President Russell M. Nelson shared one of the most powerful First Presidency Christmas Devotional messages I’ve ever heard. Titled Come Let Us Adore Him, I watched it again the other day and was filled with hope.

There were many wonderful things he taught, but my favorite was when he shared his Christmas prayer for each of us:

First, I pray that you will feel the deep, eternal love our Savior has for you personally. Jesus Christ has known you since the premortal realm. He knows and sees you now. He sees your joys and your sorrows. He has experienced each of them.

He has perfect compassion for your struggles and rejoices every time you press forward in righteousness, during good times and bad.

I pray that you will gain your own personal witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He is filled with godly power, and that because of His grand atoning sacrifice, you never need to feel that you must face life’s difficult challenges alone. As you earnestly ask, seek, and knock, you have constant access to His power to help you, to strengthen you, and to heal you.

I pray that you will take full advantage of the Savior’s Atonement by repenting daily, making your life increasingly pure, and seeking heavenly guidance in all that you do. In other words, I pray for you to experience the joy of always thinking celestial.

I also pray that you will use this holiday season to begin a season of even greater personal worship. Begin anew to study the teachings and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No one on this earth loves you as He does. No one here understands you better or really knows your sorrows and weaknesses. No one on earth has the power that Jesus Christ has. No one here is more eager for you to become everything you can become. No one pleads with the Father on your behalf as He does.

#6 - Silent Night

I’ve shared before that we LOVE the movie that was made about the story of Silent Night. We watch it every Christmas. Here’s a tender version sung by the late Sinead O’Connor.

#7 - A Holiday to Remember

Time for a commercial. This one will get you. Even if you don’t decide to buy a Chevrolet. Christmas is a reminder of the Gift and of the Giver.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

2 Nephi 26:24

May this season be merry and bright for you.

With love,

Scott